The Community Mobilization Leadership Coalition in Richmond, formed over 2 months ago, hosted a Meet and Greet reception last week for its local public officials who were recently elected and or re-elected. The coalition was established to block the appointment of Eduardo Martinez to Gary Bell’s seat on the Richmond City Council and to recommend a replacement who aligns with Gary Bell’s philosophy and campaign platform. Over 175 attended the reception held at the Courtyard Marriott in Richmond to meet and hear comments from Nat Bates, Richmond City Council: Lesa McIntosh, EBMUD Board of Directors; Joe Wallace, AC Transit Board of Directors (unable to attend); Zakhary Mallett, BART Board of Directors; Randall Enos, WCCUSD Board of Trustees; and Todd Groves, WCCUSD Board of Trustees. Newly appointed Superior Court Judge Judy Johnson also attended the event. She will be officially sworn in on Friday, Feb. 1 in Martinez. Members of the coalition that hosted the reception include the Black American Political Action Committee (BAPAC), Black Women Organized for

Kathleen Sullivan and Michael Williams.

Political Action (BWOPA), Black Men & Women (BMW), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Brotherhood Alliance (NBA), Men and Women of Purpose, Men and Women of Valor, 1 Richmond, One Accord Project, and Guardians of Justice. If Richmond City Council does not appoint a replacement for Gary Bell on Feb. 5, a special election will probably take place June 4.